DALLAS, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to empower America's youth to move forward in life as strong future leaders, MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today announced a multi-year partnership with After-School All-Stars (ASAS), a national non-profit organization that provides year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and equip them with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in school and life.

Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, ASAS fuels students' individual passions by tying their interests to academics, enrichment activities and sports. ASAS also gives its students a safe-haven during the after-school hours when kids are most likely to be exposed to negative influences.

"Young people face difficult choices every day, whether from peer pressure or the challenging environments in which they live and play. At MetroPCS, we believe all youth deserve the resources and opportunities to achieve success," said Tom Keys, MetroPCS president and chief operating officer. "We applaud After-School All-Stars for their achievements and are confident that, together, we can make an even greater impact on our communities, giving families and children a chance to focus their energy and efforts to make the right choices that benefit them for life."

With the support from MetroPCS, ASAS will launch a new Dallas Chapter in 2012, as well as expand key national programs aimed at helping at-risk youth to build brighter futures. These programs are designed to address the high school drop-out crisis, prepare kids for the 21st century workplace, encourage healthy lifestyles through sports, and build leadership through community service and civic awareness.

In addition to establishing a long-term presence in Dallas, MetroPCS will help expand ASAS' impact in other cities where ASAS has existing chapters, including Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, South Florida, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Our After-School All-Stars programs help put children across the country on the path to success, and now together with MetroPCS we are strengthening the All-Stars and bringing our innovative programs to Dallas," Schwarzenegger said. "For more than 20 years it has been my passion to provide opportunities to children and encourage them to fulfill their dreams. It is clear that MetroPCS shares that passion for inspiring America's future leaders."

Photos and Video Available from Star-Studded Basketball Weekend in OrlandoDuring this past weekend in Orlando, MetroPCS and ASAS celebrated their partnership at an event with ASAS students at Jackson Middle School, where kids had a day of fun and basketball and were inspired by a legendary NBA player.

ASAS hosted its second annual Hoop Heroes Salute event to recognize the NBA players including LeBron James(Miami HEAT) and Chris Bosh (Miami HEAT) who are part of the Hoop Heroes program that raises funds through player donations. For the third year in a row, players contribute their time to visit schools and make personal donations to support ASAS youth. At the event, ASAS Founder Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced their new partnership with MetroPCS and thanked MetroPCS' COO Tom Keys, along with other executives.

About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is a provider of no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of December 31, 2011, MetroPCS had over 9.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

About After-School All-StarsFounded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities designed to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Over 82,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 12 U.S. areas. After-School All-Stars is proud to partner with NBA players in the Hoop Heroes campaign. Each player has pledged to donate per points, assists or rebounds they record during the regular season. Their donations bring more after-school programming to at-risk youth across the country. For more information, visit www.hoopheroes.org or www.as-as.org.